Find out how popular the first name Bahia has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bahia by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Bahia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Bahia.

The history of the first name Bahia

The name Bahia is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "baha," which means "beauty" or "splendor." It is believed to have originated in the Middle East during the medieval period, when Arabic culture and language were widespread across the region.

Bahia gained popularity as a name during the time of the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th centuries. During this period, many Arabic names, including Bahia, were introduced to various regions through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bahia can be found in the works of medieval Arab poets and writers, who often used it as a symbolic representation of beauty and elegance. It is also mentioned in some ancient Arabic manuscripts and historical records, although the specific details of its usage are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Bahia. One of the earliest examples is Bahia al-Muhdath (1073-1143), an influential female scholar and poet from Seville, Al-Andalus (modern-day Spain). She was renowned for her contributions to Arabic literature and her patronage of other poets and intellectuals.

Another prominent figure with the name Bahia was Bahia Bint al-Suri (1118-1193), a renowned Sufi mystic and poet from Damascus, Syria. Her spiritual writings and poetry had a significant impact on the development of Sufism in the region.

In the 19th century, Bahia Shehab (1768-1850) was a prominent Lebanese princess and landowner known for her philanthropy and support of education. She played a crucial role in the cultural and social development of Lebanon during her time.

Bahia Rachid (1890-1973) was an Egyptian feminist and activist who fought for women's rights and education in the early 20th century. She was one of the pioneers of the women's movement in Egypt and played a significant role in raising awareness about gender equality.

Bahia Hariri (1952-1992) was a Lebanese philanthropist and activist who worked tirelessly for the welfare of women and children in Lebanon. She was assassinated in 1992, but her legacy continues through the various charitable organizations she established.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals named Bahia throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields, from literature and spirituality to activism and philanthropy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bahia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bahia, please contact us.

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